Dec 20, 2015, 4:45 am
Last edit by: wilsnunn
The FlyerTalk Lending Team on Kiva:
improving lives a small loan at a time.
Kiva.org is the not-for-profit microlending organization that networks people willing to lend to small entrepreneurs in developing nations using available technology and international networking / collaboration, and how Kiva.org had become an approved FlyerTalk charity thanks to TalkBoard's approval June 29, 2008 <link> It is listed on the FlyerTalk Cares page.improving lives a small loan at a time.
"Kiva is a grassroots project started by a team with a big idea: one-to-one, real-time lending to the poor via the Internet. Currently, we take no cut of the loan you make through our site -- 100% goes to the entrepreneur. We suggest a 10% donation, in addition to your loan, to help us cover our costs. Kiva is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your donation is tax-deductible for US taxpayers." (Suggested donations for administrative overhead, low though that is, are not required - you may lend 100% if you so choose.)
As of 15 May 2016 it was 607 FlyerTalk lending team who have lent $2,209,175 in 37,092 loans! And now as of 30 June 2019 it is 941 members who have lent $6,415,775 in 71,722 loans!
Our motto is: "We loan because: We want to fight global poverty while earning miles."
This is tangible evidence Flyertalk Cares! There are likely other FlyerTalkers on Kiva who have not joined - if you are one of them, do so now to show your and FT's support and involvement. If you haven't lent yet, check it out - you may want to join up. For the low-income entrepreneurs on five continents who are requesting loans, microlending is significant - and it takes a lot of drops to fill the bucket. (Read on to see updates!)
Now, we can see this sophisticated network link resources from those who can lend (no interest, sorry!) with those who are needy, worthy and screened by local NGOs and have a need to start / expand their small business to enhance their and their families' survival. And, using PayPal and your FFP/FFG linked card or account, you can earn miles or points with many loans!
FlyerTalkers are lending, and fulfilling one of FT's seminal values, that of "paying it forward."
Read more about Kiva.org, who supports and enables it (Intel, Google, Paypal, Intuit and many others,) and see if you have $25.00 (or more) you can lend someone deserving in a land you have visited and enjoyed (or not.)
This is how it works:
Add your experiences here, or if you haven't joined... won't you consider joining the FlyerTalker Lending Team?
You can see who the latest FT borrowers are (some still possibly needing loans) here
For ease, you can click here: Subscribe to FlyerTalker Lending Team on Kiva.org
FlyerTalker Lending Team on Kiva.org!
Oct 3, 2009, 10:41 am
#121
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Yeah! All work and no play makes Alysia a dull... well, you get the diea! 
Too bad we can't get miles or points from microlending - but there are some nice psychological benefits, as we see our borrowers succeed, particularly when we read about difficulties in some of those lands or we have traveled through there ourselves. A hearty Welcome! from another small businessperson.
Too bad we can't get miles or points from microlending - but there are some nice psychological benefits, as we see our borrowers succeed, particularly when we read about difficulties in some of those lands or we have traveled through there ourselves. A hearty Welcome! from another small businessperson. Okay, I'm trying this out. I joined and made my first micro-loan today. Small business loans hit close to home for me, as I started a business over a year ago. I use my credit cards to short term finance (till the credit card bill due dates) my huge up front costs, as I outlay money up front for expenses & then receive payment anywhere from a week to a month later. (Of course, I also like getting all the points & miles from all the credit card expenditures.)
Oct 3, 2009, 11:41 am
#122
Join Date: May 2009
Location: GLA
Posts: 1,214
Oct 13, 2009, 1:36 pm
#125
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Movin' right along...
Statistic Name FlyerTalkers
Number of Team Members 82
Number of Loans 384
Number of Loans per Member 4.68
Total Amount Loaned $11,925.00
:-: Tommy777 :-:will be raffling off iPod touch, a set Bose QC3 and a TravelPro carry on on the three charter flights heading to the MegaDo in Germany November 5, with the proceeds going to Kiva - if you are there, buy tickets!
And, :-: wharvey :-: added Kiva to the Secret Santa list...
We ought to do a little push for the holidays, which we share with many others, and see if we can reach - $15,000! by the end of 2009. Anyone game?
Number of Team Members 82
Number of Loans 384
Number of Loans per Member 4.68
Total Amount Loaned $11,925.00
:-: Tommy777 :-:will be raffling off iPod touch, a set Bose QC3 and a TravelPro carry on on the three charter flights heading to the MegaDo in Germany November 5, with the proceeds going to Kiva - if you are there, buy tickets!
And, :-: wharvey :-: added Kiva to the Secret Santa list...
We ought to do a little push for the holidays, which we share with many others, and see if we can reach - $15,000! by the end of 2009. Anyone game?
Last edited by JDiver; Oct 13, 2009 at 1:45 pm Reason: add a bit
Oct 22, 2009, 3:48 pm
#128
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 7,323
Oct 22, 2009, 10:01 pm
#131
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Body in Downtown YYZ, heart and mind elsewhere
Programs: UA 50K, refugee from AC E50K, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 5,132
Just made 5 new loans today! 
Out of all the loans I have on the go, it looks like only 1 will not be repaid; the rest are nicely on track for full repayment.
I was curious about my one delinquent loan so I clicked the link for the local field organization. Here's what I found:
"[Organization's] current high delinquency is the result of difficulties in transferring funds out of [Country]. The organization is working with the State Bank of [Country] to sort out this issue and is providing regular updates to Kiva on its progress. Kiva will be sure to update this page as we learn more, and all funds received from [Organization] will be applied to delinquent loans upon receipt."
While I couldn't care less about the actual $$$ that's been loaned out, it would be nice to see if the group of ladies I made the loan to have been able to repay. It's really just a case of personal interest to see if they're doing OK. I was thinking of politely emailing the local organization to find out. Has anyone ever done this before?
Out of all the loans I have on the go, it looks like only 1 will not be repaid; the rest are nicely on track for full repayment.I was curious about my one delinquent loan so I clicked the link for the local field organization. Here's what I found:
"[Organization's] current high delinquency is the result of difficulties in transferring funds out of [Country]. The organization is working with the State Bank of [Country] to sort out this issue and is providing regular updates to Kiva on its progress. Kiva will be sure to update this page as we learn more, and all funds received from [Organization] will be applied to delinquent loans upon receipt."
While I couldn't care less about the actual $$$ that's been loaned out, it would be nice to see if the group of ladies I made the loan to have been able to repay. It's really just a case of personal interest to see if they're doing OK. I was thinking of politely emailing the local organization to find out. Has anyone ever done this before?
Last edited by RCyyz; Oct 22, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Oct 22, 2009, 11:10 pm
#133
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: A number, but no status no more
Posts: 3,049
HI RCyyz,
If you go to your loan, scroll to the bottom, you will see the state of the loan. Click on Advanced, and you will get more detail, including whether the borrowers are paying back to the local organization.
I'm in a similar situation with a loan in Ghana, where my borrower is paying back on time, but the local organization has a very high delinquency percentage and is not paying back Kiva.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer
While I couldn't care less about the actual $$$ that's been loaned out, it would be nice to see if the group of ladies I made the loan to have been able to repay. It's really just a case of personal interest to see if they're doing OK. I was thinking of politely emailing the local organization to find out. Has anyone ever done this before?
I'm in a similar situation with a loan in Ghana, where my borrower is paying back on time, but the local organization has a very high delinquency percentage and is not paying back Kiva.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer
Oct 23, 2009, 7:29 am
#134
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Welcome!
I have had trouble with one organization in Ecuador - they seem to have inflated the loans and kept excessive funds for their operating overhead, without passing money to lenders. Kiva is responsibly (IMO) following up, dropping the partner and initiating legal proceedings against them.
Nonetheless, most of my loans have done quite well, and I re-lent $175 yesterday.
FlyerTalkers
Number of Team Members 88
Number of Loans 431
Number of Loans per Member 4.90
Total Amount Loaned $13,175.00
I feel very proud to be a member of this community!
I have had trouble with one organization in Ecuador - they seem to have inflated the loans and kept excessive funds for their operating overhead, without passing money to lenders. Kiva is responsibly (IMO) following up, dropping the partner and initiating legal proceedings against them.
Nonetheless, most of my loans have done quite well, and I re-lent $175 yesterday.
FlyerTalkers
Number of Team Members 88
Number of Loans 431
Number of Loans per Member 4.90
Total Amount Loaned $13,175.00
I feel very proud to be a member of this community!
Oct 23, 2009, 7:43 am
#135
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: AA EXP "Life is good! Really good.""
Posts: 4,923